As we drove off from Columbia, I wanted to write a letter to you to tell you all that is on my mind.
当我们开车驶出哥伦比亚大学的时候，我想写一封信给你，告诉你盘旋在我脑中的想法。
First, I want to tell you how proud we are. Getting into Columbia is a real testament of what a great well-rounded student you are. Your academic, artistic, and social skills have truly blossomed in the last few years. Whether it is getting the highest grade in Calculus, completing your elegant fashion design,successfully selling your painted running shoes, or becoming one ofthe top orators in Model United Nations, you have become a talentedand accomplished young woman. You should be as proud of yourself aswe are.
首先，我想告诉你我们为你感到特别骄傲。进入哥伦比亚大学证明你是1个全面发展的优秀学生，你的学业、艺术和社交技能最近都有卓越的表现，无论是你在微积分上得了最高分，完成自己典雅的时尚的设计，成功卖出绘制的跑鞋，还是在“模拟联合国”演说中成为表现最突出的人之一，你毫无疑问已经是1个多才多艺的女孩。你的父母为你感到骄傲，你也应该像我们一样为自己感到自豪。
You have been a great kid ever since you were born, alwaysquiet, empathetic, attentive, and well-mannered. You were threewhen we built our house. I remember you quietly followed us every weekend for more than ten hours a day to get building supplies. Youput up with that boring period without a fuss, happily atehamburgers every meal in the car, sang with Barney until you fellasleep. When you went to Sunday Chinese school, you studied hard even though it was no fun for you. I cannot believe how lucky weare as parents to have a daughter like you.
你不但长得可爱，而且是个特别乖巧的孩子。你从不吵闹、为人着想，既听话又有礼貌。当你三岁我们建房子之际，每个周末十多个小时你都静静地跟着我们去运建筑材料，三餐在车上吃着汉堡，唱着儿歌，唱累了就睡觉，一点都不娇气不抱怨。你去上星期七的中文学习班时，尽管一点也不觉得有趣，却依然很努力。我们做父母的能有像你这样的女儿真的感到非常幸运。
You have been an excellent elder sister. Even though you twohad your share of fights, the last few years you have become bestfriends. Your sister loves you so much, and she loves to make youlaugh. She looks up to you, and sees you as her role model. As yousaw when we departed, she misses you so much. And I know that youmiss her just as much. There is nothing like family, and other thanyour parents, your sister is the one person who you can trust andconfide in. She will be the one to take care of you, and the oneyou must take care of. There is nothing we wish more than that yoursisterhood will continue to bond as you grow older, and that youwill take care of each other throughout your lives. For the nextfour years, do have a short video chat with her every few days, anddo email her when you have a chance.
你也是个很好的姐姐。虽然你们姐妹以前也会打架，但是长大后，你们真的成为了好朋友。妹妹很爱你，很喜欢逗你笑，她把你当成她的榜样看待。我们开车离开哥大后，她非常想你，我知道你也很想她。世界上最宝贵的就是家人。和父母一样，妹妹就是你最可以信任的人。随着年龄的增长，你们姐妹之间的情谊不变，你们互相照应，彼此关心，这就是我最希望见到的事情了。在你的大学四年，有空时你一定要常常跟妹妹视频聊聊天，写写电子邮件。